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In this episode, Amy Scarr (also known as Almond Rock Sews on Instagram) shares her inspiring journey into garment sewing, from discovering a love of making her own clothes to becoming a passionate advocate for "Big Four" sewing patterns and creative dressmaking.

Amy explains why she champions brands like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick, she busts some of the common myths around using commercial sewing patterns, and shares practical tips to help sewists build confidence and achieve a better fit.

We also explore how sewing has become an important outlet for Amy's creativity and mental wellbeing, discussing the joy of making, developing a personal style, and why pattern hacking is a brilliant way to create a wardrobe that's uniquely your own.

Whether you're new to garment sewing or looking to get more from your sewing patterns, this episode is packed with practical advice, creative inspiration, and encouragement to help you sew with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Amy's sewing journey progressed from hobby to career
• She provides tips for using big four sewing patterns
• We discuss the mental health benefits of sewing
• Amy talks about her love for pattern hacking and customisation techniques
• She discusses her approach to personal style and dopamine dressing

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@thedalythread

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

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*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest details:

Instagram: @almondrock_sews

Website: www.almondrock.co.uk

Youtube: @almondrock

• Embroidered dress progress

https://youtu.be/7qU-YowuNlI?is=179fKgswEld16_eC

• Laced bodice dress

https://youtu.be/SxxTDljM_fM?is=mytkiy6e24vQ0WGD

• Me Made May 2025 with Jimi

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsDYBAtCTR6MF0SDpuAwaXo&si=SHeqcUjkhvW1VsJL

• Me Made May 2026 with Jimi

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsHZDrvHRTrXW6UwJp3dakK&si=ZLeucGukVpKNRpd1

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Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

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Chapters

00:00 Amy's Sewing Journey Begins
02:27 Career Path in the Sewing Industry
04:35 Freelancing and Current Projects
05:26 Writing for Sewing Magazines
07:32 Inspiration and Learning in Sewing
08:15 Personal Style and Dopamine Dressing
11:36 Favorite Patterns and Tips for Beginners
15:25 The Evolution of Sewing Patterns
17:49 Sewing as a Creative Outlet
20:08 Body Positivity Through Sewing
22:21 Me Made May: A Fun Experiment
25:19 YouTube Journey and Content Plans
27:45 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
29:50 Rapid Fire: This or That Game
33:39 Substack

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In this episode, Luke-Matthew Iveson, winner of The Great British Sewing Bee, shares his inspiring journey from learning to sew with his grandmother as a child to becoming one of the UK's best-known sewing personalities and content creators.

Luke reflects on his experience of winning The Great British Sewing Bee, how the show transformed his life, and the opportunities that followed.

We discuss the power of sewing as a form of self-expression, the positive impact creativity can have on mental wellbeing, and how finding a supportive sewing community helped shape his confidence and career.

From teaching and content creation to inspiring the next generation of sewists, Luke offers a fascinating insight into life after the Sewing Bee and why sewing remains such an important part of who he is.

Whether you're a fan of The Great British Sewing Bee, looking for sewing inspiration, or curious about how creativity can support wellbeing and personal growth, this episode is packed with warmth, encouragement, and practical insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Luke learned to sew as a child with his grandma
• He won Season 10 of The Great British Sewing Bee
• Luke explains the role of drag in his sewing and self-expression, and the importance of representation in the sewing community
• He talks through how he created a capsule wardrobe and its impact on style
• His Sewing for strangers series has given him purpose
• Luke's new book 'Around the World in Eighty Sews' is available for pre-order now!

Follow me:

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@thedalythread

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Website: www.sewlukeivo.com

Instagram: @sewlukeivo

Facebook: Luke-Matthew Iveson

Tiktok: @sewlukeivo

YouTube: @sewlukeivo

Book: https://www.dashbook.fr/book/around-the-world-in-80-sews

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luke Iveson
00:42 The Early Days of Sewing
03:35 Journey to the Sewing Bee
05:36 Experiences on the Show
08:25 Navigating Fame in the Sewing Community
09:15 Sewing as Self-Expression
13:02 Transitioning to Full-Time Sewing
15:07 The World of Drag and Sewing
17:54 The Importance of Representation
19:40 Sewing for Well-Being
21:47 Sewing for Strangers
25:42 Around the World in Eighty Sews
29:17 Future Plans and Projects
32:29 Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley shares how she discovered sewing during a challenging period in her life and how it grew from a practical skill into a powerful source of creativity, confidence, and wellbeing.

From teaching herself to sew, to building a colourful handmade wardrobe, Claire reflects on the lessons, challenges, and joys of her sewing journey.

We explore the mental health benefits of sewing, including how creative hobbies can boost self-efficacy, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Claire also shares her passion for sustainable fashion, upcycling clothes, and embracing a more mindful approach to making.

Whether you're new to sewing, looking to rekindle your sew-jo, or interested in the connection between creativity and wellbeing, this inspiring conversation is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and fresh ideas for your next sewing project.

Claire Discusses:

• Her self-taught sewing journey during the pandemic
• The role of sewing in mental health and wellbeing
• Upcycling charity shop finds into new garments
• Challenges and rewards of sewing from scratch and upcycling
• Inspiration from nature and social media for sewing projects

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Instagram: @wiredtomake

Tiktok: @wiredtomake

Book: The Burnout Doctor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and her sewing journey

06:25 Claire’s inspiration for her own sewing

07:41 Upcycling charity shop garments

12:16 What sewing brings in one sentence

12:36 Exciting plans

14:03 Where you can find Claire

14:35 Join my Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores the fascinating connection between sewing and mental wellbeing, uncovering the psychology behind why we sew and what keeps us coming back to our machines.

From motivation and creativity to identity, self-expression, and emotional attachment, to handmade clothes, we delve into the deeper role sewing plays in our lives.

We also discuss common challenges that can affect your sew-jo, including stress, anxiety, burnout, social media comparison, perfectionism, and major life transitions.

Claire shares practical insights into how understanding the psychology of sewing can help you rediscover your motivation, build a healthier relationship with your hobby, and find greater enjoyment in the creative process.

Whether you've lost your sew-jo, feel overwhelmed by your project pile, or are curious about the mental health benefits of sewing, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how creativity can support wellbeing.

Claire discusses:

• The concept of sew-jo and factors affecting motivation
• The role of social media and comparison in sewing
• Sewing for an aspirational identity versus practical needs
• Emotional attachment to handmade garments and decluttering challenges
• The influence of life transitions, motherhood, and body changes on sewing habits
• The concept of enclothed cognition and dressing for the desired self
• Dopamine's role in fabric shopping and planning
• Strategies to improve sew-jo through environment and habits
• The psychological benefits of sewing and self-expression

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Instagram: @wiredtomake

Book: The Burnout Doctor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and today’s topic - The Psychology of Sewing

01:17 Sew-jo

07:12 Sewing for the life you don’t have

11:43 Decluttering handmade garments and the emotional attachment

17:58 Motherhood and sewing for someone you hope to be rather than who you are now

21:44 Fabric stashes and why our brains make us create them

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Claire Ashley to explore ADHD, how it really presents in adulthood, and why sewing can become a powerful tool for self-regulation.

We discuss the core symptoms of ADHD, why so many women are misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, and the link between ADHD, anxiety and chronic overwhelm.

This is an honest, practical conversation about neurodiversity, creativity and building a healthier relationship with your sewing practice.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, struggled to finish projects, or found that sewing both soothes and consumes you, this episode will resonate.

Claire Discusses:

• Executive dysfunction and task paralysis
• Hyperfocus and creative burnout
• Masking, perfectionism and shame
• Using sewing as a calming, structured outlet
• How to balance a hobby without turning it into pressure

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Instagram: @wiredtomake

Book: The Burnout Doctor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr Claire Ashley and today's topic ADHD

03:35 ADHD presents differently in women

06:19 Diagnosis later in life

07:30 Overwhelm paralysis

09:41 Hyperfocus

11:07 Using sewing as a positive outlet and avoiding overwhelm

13:53 ADHD, burnout and anxiety

16:13 Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores anxiety - what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body as well as the mind.

Drawing on both her medical expertise and lived experience, she explains the physiological response behind anxiety symptoms, from racing thoughts to a heightened stress response.

We talk about practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life, and how creative hobbies like sewing can play a powerful role in supporting mental health.

From regulating the nervous system to creating moments of focus and calm, sewing offers more than just a finished garment - it can become part of a sustainable wellbeing routine.

If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety feels so physical, or how to manage anxiety symptoms in a gentle, realistic way, this conversation offers both science-backed insight and practical tools.

Claire discusses:

• What is anxiety and its physiological basis
• How sewing induces mindfulness and flow state
• The impact of arts engagement on cortisol and inflammation
• Perfectionism and its link to anxiety in sewing
• Practical tips for reconnecting with sewing for anxiety relief

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest details:

Instagram: @wiredtomake

Book: The Burnout Doctor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and anxiety

03:59 How engaging in creative arts helps anxiety

08:52 Perfectionism and anxiety

12:37 Tips for people wanting to engage in sewing without pressure

14:08 Substack end of the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Claire Ashley, (a GP and passionate sewist) for an honest and informative conversation about burnout, how to recognise the symptoms, and what recovery can really look like.

Claire shares her personal experience of burnout alongside her medical perspective, explaining the science behind chronic stress and how it impacts both our physical and mental health.

We talk about the early warning signs that are often missed, why burnout is more than just “feeling tired,” and how high-achieving, caring professions can be particularly vulnerable.

We also explore the role creative hobbies like sewing can play in burnout recovery - offering structure, focus, and a sense of progress during periods of overwhelm.

This episode blends medical insight with lived experience, and offers practical, compassionate guidance for anyone navigating stress, burnout, or looking for healthier ways to support their wellbeing.

Claire discusses:

• What burnout actually is and its core components
• Signs and symptoms of burnout
• The impact of burnout on brain and body
• The role of creative hobbies in recovery
• Practical tips for preventing burnout

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Instagram: @wiredtomake

Book: The Burnout Doctor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and the Podcast Format
02:26 Understanding Burnout: Definition and Symptoms
08:21 The Journey Through Burnout: Personal Experiences
11:04 The Role of Creative Hobbies in Recovery
17:24 Sewing as a Therapeutic Tool for Anxiety

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Lauren Guthrie shares the story behind her journey from working as a physiotherapist to founding Guthrie & Ghani, and how a love of sewing slowly grew into something much bigger than she ever expected.

We talk about her experience on The Great British Sewing Bee and how that moment shaped the direction of her career, as well as the realities of building and evolving a fabric shop in an ever-changing industry.

Lauren reflects on the growth of the sewing community over the years, what it really takes to source beautiful, high-quality fabrics, and how she’s navigated the challenges of scaling a creative business while staying connected to the joy of making.

It’s an honest conversation about growth, not just in business, but personally and creatively, and about building something that’s rooted in community as much as it is in sewing.

Key takeaways:

• Lauren used to be a Physiotherapist but became burnt out and decided to change career.
• Lauren was on the first season of The Great British Sewing Bee - she feels this has shaped her career so far.
• Guthrie and Ghani has been going 13 years so far and continues to evolve.
• Lauren acquired G&G's sister company Pattern Trace in the last couple of years.
• The Sewing Society kits that G&G are well known for have changed recently from monthly releases to a quarterly box.

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations:

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:

Website: www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk

Instagram: @guthrieghani

: @guthrieghani_studio

: @patterntraceuk

Youtube: @laurenguthrieghani

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introductions
00:10 Lauren's Journey into Sewing and Business
05:00 The Experience of Being on The Sewing Bee
05:54 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
08:04 From Healthcare to Creativity: A Personal Journey
10:28 The Evolution of the Sewing Community
14:14 Building a Supportive Sewing Community
15:25 Evolving Business: From In-Store to Online
16:58 Sourcing Fabrics: Balancing Trends and Personal Taste
18:44 The Transformation of Sewing Kits
22:48 Designing Fabrics: A Personal Touch
29:19 Acquiring Pattern Trace: Expanding Horizons
31:28 Exciting Future Plans for Guthrie and Ghani
36:28 Substack end of the show